Strictly star meets young performers following their dreams in Tring

Stage Stars S02 Still Nikita

Viewers can follow the drama-filled, real-life journeys of the stars of tomorrow, including breakout dance, acting and music moments, alongside everyday school life. Stage Stars Series 2 premieres on CBBC and BBC iPlayer today, and viewers can catch up with the first series on BBC iPlayer now.

Stage Stars offers viewers an exclusive insight into the delicate balance between boarding school life and a career in the spotlight at the UK’s leading specialist performing arts school, for students aged 7 to 19, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.

The first series, which launched in October 2025, showcased drama-filled moments such as dancer Jacob setting off to Switzerland and winning a prestigious international ballet competition and a young performer who had to give up her contract in Starlight Express after breaking her arm. This time we meet the brand-new class of Series 2 which includes a young boy who lands his dream role on the West End Stage, and another who’s dreams come true when Strictly professional Nikita comes to school. It also catches up with some familiar faces continuing their journeys in the challenging world of performing arts.

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning for BBC Children’s and Education 7+ says: ‘It’s the start of a brand new school year with the Stage Stars, get set to follow our students as they showcase their phenomenal talents and give our audience a front row seat to see the level of hard work and dedication it takes to succeed.’

Rachel Drummond-Hay, Executive Producer for Drummer Television explains: ‘With more action, rivalry, and unforgettable breakout moments, Stage Stars Series 2 is bigger and better than ever. Full of jaw-dropping young talent chasing their dreams and surprise celebrity guests, this is the ultimate must-watch for anyone who loves singing, dancing, acting, or just a bit of drama!’

Tamsin Summers, Executive Producer for Drummer Television says: ‘At a time when parents a quite rightly scrutinising what their children watch and view online and on TV, Stage Stars is a joyous series packed with aspiration and great role models showing that that hard work and dedication pays off, and most importantly you need to follow your passions and have fun!’

New term, new adventures for the stage stars

Set in the Hertfordshire countryside against the backdrop of a 17th-century Grade II listed mansion, Stage Stars yet again takes viewers through all the twists and turns of the school year, with an added sprinkle of showbiz.

It kicks off at the start of term, and the school is alive with excited students. The new Year 7 boarders are busy settling themselves into their dorms, as the older students find their friends and catch up after the long summer break. But no time to rest as it’s the first big audition of term and competition is fierce for the solo role.

From West End dreams and audition anxiety to seasonal shows and summer fun (with a little Strictly magic thrown in), the series not only captures the commitment and resilience needed for a life in the performing arts, but also the friendships, teamwork and life skills built along the way.

Elizabeth Odell, Director of Studies at Tring Park School comments, ‘We are excited to welcome everyone back to Tring Park and celebrate the exceptional young talent that continues to flourish here. This time, you’ll meet new students and catch up with some familiar faces, seeing just how far they’ve come over the past year. It’s incredible to be part of this exciting project again, and we hope you enjoy watching along with us.’

Audiences will meet an array of talented young people from across the UK and beyond, showcasing their talents in dance, musical theatre, contemporary music, and acting. Some of the stand-out moments featured in the new series include:

  • Watch students prepare for their roles in huge West End shows including The Lion King and Matilda
  • A surprise visit straight from the ballroom – professional dancer Nikita will bring some Strictly magic to the school corridors
  • Who will be picked for the role on popular TV series Horrible Science?
  • Meet the ballet boys with big dreams
  • Chart-topping Nathan Sykes from The Wanted brings his star power to the school
  • Will a football injury jeopardise one young actor’s role in the school musical?
  • A teen singer/songwriter has her song played on the radio for the first time
  • See if the girls’ choir has what it takes to win at a national competition

This year, the drama certainly doesn’t stop in the theatre. But with tenacity, hard work and determination, the young performers are destined to shine brightly, with new friendships that will last long after the final bow.